Introduction: Transurethral resection syndrome is an uncommon but potentially life threatening complication. Various irrigating solutions have been used, normal saline being the most physiological. The recent availability of bipolar cautery has permitted the use of normal saline irrigation. Material and Methods: In a randomized prospective study the safety and efficacy of bipolar cautery (using 0.9% normal saline irrigation) was compared with conventional monopolar cautery (using 1.5% glycine irrigation). Pre and post–operative hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit values were compared. Hemodynamics and arterial oxygen saturation were monitored. Safety end points were changes in serum electrolytes, osmolarity and Hb/PCV (packed cell volume). Efficacy parameters were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Qmax (maximum flow rate in mL/sec) values. Results: Mean preoperative prostate size on ultrasound was 60 ± 20cc. Mean resected weight was 17.6 ± 10.8 g (glycine) and 18.66 ± 12.1 g (saline). Mean resection time was 56.76 ± 14.51 min (glycine) and 55.1 ± 13.3 min (saline). The monopolar glycine group showed a greater decline in serum sodium and osmolarity (4.12 meq/L and 5.14 mosmol/L) compared to the bipolar saline group (1.25 meq/L and 0.43 mosmol/L). However, this was not considered statistically significant. The monopolar glycine group showed a statistically significant decline in Hb and PCV (0.97 gm %, 2.83, p < 0.005) as compared to the bipolar saline group (0.55 gm % and 1.62, p < 0.05). Patient follow up (1,3,6 and 12 months postoperatively) demonstrated an improvement in IPSS and Qmax in both the groups. Conclusion: We concluded that bipolar transurethral resection of prostate is clinically comparable to monopolar trans–urethral resection of prostate with an improved safety profile.